Published: November 01, 2007 02:59 pm      

Wife of city manager arrested, charged with DWI, drug possession

By Kelly Young

news@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Smith County jail records confirm Deborah A. Raissi, wife of Jacksonville City Manager Mo Raissi, was arrested Oct. 14 by the Bullard Police Department, and has been charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana.

Raissi was pulled over while driving southbound on U.S. Highway. 69 about 3:30 a.m. No one else was in the vehicle at the time of her arrest.

“I consider this a very personal and private family matter to be dealt with by the family,” said Jacksonville Mayor Robert Haberle. “It should in no way reflect on the past or present job performance of Mo. His record as city manager speaks for itself. He has successfully worked to repair public confidence and trust in our city government. His strong character and leadership style has restored employee morale, given momentum to much-needed projects to improve the quality of life in Jacksonville, and added to overall public safety.

“I support Mo and his family and will continue to do so as they work their way through this situation,” Haberle said.

According to Bullard Police Chief Gary Lewis, both charges are Class-B misdemeanors carrying a monetary fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or a jail term not to exceed 180 days, or a probation term. Lewis said no previous criminal charges appear on Deborah Raissi’s record.

Deborah Raissi was released later that afternoon after posting a $500 bond for each charge.

The case is still under investigation, Lewis said.